Cats of Pokémon

Cuteness Team

Not playing Pokémon Go? Uhhh, why not? What if we told you that there are a number of badass Pokémon modeled after kitties to add to your creature collection? Learn about 'em all below!

1 - Meowth / Persian

Image: Official

As a beloved character from the original game, Meowth is a bonafide OG of the Pokémon series and, as such, is highly desirable. Meowth is based on the Japanese Maneki Neko charm that's meant to attract monetary luck. Aptly, Meowth's signature move is "Pay Day" involving the hurling of coins at an opponent. Meowth's sleeker evolution, Persian, also specializes in the Pay Day move and is the pet of Giovanni, leader of the Team Rocket Mafia.

2 -Mew/Mewtwo

Image: Official

Are they mice? Are they cats? Are they (fill in the blank)? This is a question that has plagued many a Pokémon fan, until official sources confirmed that they Mew and its clone Mewtwo, in fact, are feline. I mean, look at their names. They're both gifted with psychic abilities.

3 - Espeon

Image: Official

Though not officially confirmed as feline, the ambiguous Espeon has enough cat-like qualities to merit inclusion on this list. As an evolution of Evee, the way to capture Espeon (a Psychic) is to befriend an Evee and allow it to evolve during the day--NOT at night.

4 - Raikou

Image: Official

Part of the second generation beast trio (with Suicune and Entei), the saber-toothed electric-type Raikou has the Thor-like ability to ride clouds during thunderstorms. Raikou also makes an appears in Super Smash Bros. Melee as a trophy and a Pokéball attack.

5 - Skitty / Delcatty

Image: Official

Unlike most other felines in the series, SKitty and Delcatty aren't dark types. Nope, these two are cute as buttons (Skitty loves to chase her tail!) and sweet to boot. To inject your collection with some instant happiness, capture Skitty and its elegant evolution Delcatty. Both specialize in the move Assist, allowing them to appropriate their opponents moves.

6 - Zangoose

Image: Official

Just look at that Bowie-esque lightning flash across Zangoose--a cat ferret hybrid with Wolverine type claws. How can you not want this supercool monster in your collection? A rival of snake-like Seviper, Zangoose specializes in the Crush Claw move (which it pretty much invented).

7 - Absol

Image: Official

Fans aren't sure whether Absol has any cat DNA, but we think that those almond eyes are a dead giveaway. This dark monster (complete with a creepy scythe), is something of a harbinger of doom. If Absol shows up, you can be sure some misfortune will soon follow! Which, of course, is nothing like cats IRL. Most of the time, at least.

8 - Shinx / Luxio / Luxray

Image: Official

Though cute, this electric wildcat line can pack a powerful punch! Super adorable cub Sphinx evolves into Luxio who then matures into Luxray--an awesome hunter with powers of X-ray vision.

9 - Glameow / Purugly

Image: Official

Normal-type Glameow and Purugly are an interesting evolutionary line for obvious reasons. In fact, many trainers would prefer to keep Glameow (who purrs when happy) from evolving into the considerably less glamorous Purugly (whose name kind of says it all)--and they can with one move.

10 - Purrloin / Liepard

Image: Official

Cat owners will definitely recognize their own kitties in this mischievous pair! Purrloin and its evolution Liepard are master manipulators with advanced cat-burglar skills. But these beauties get away with their thievery using their formidable charms! Their specialty moves are Night Slash, Sucker Punch, and Play Rough.

11 - Litleo (#667) / Pyroar (#668)

Image: Official

Step aside Simba! Litleo and Pyroar (both male and female) have the fiery looks and attack moves to dethrone the reigning king of the savannah. These Pokémon live in prides (just like their IRL counterparts) and will come at you with scorching moves like Hyper Beam, Overheat, and Incinerate.

12 - Espurr / Meowstic

Image: Official

Psychic Espurr (ESP + purr), with those wide Scottish-fold eyes and intense stare, looks cute but don't underestimate this Pokémon's power. It can blow everything within a 300 foot radius to smithereens--but get this, Espurr has no control over when it happens. Its psychic evolution Meowtistic can either be male or female, with each specializing in different types of attack techniques.